Tiny Art Journal

I just finished teaching my Tiny Art class at the Community College of Beaver County.  We had a wonderful time painting small natural items with gouache.

For our final project, we made journals using old books and book covers, and mounted our paintings inside.

I removed the text from an old, tattered textbook, and refilled it with 140# watercolor paper cut to size.

I simply tied the folded pages in with a thick piece of cotton string. No sewing or binding required!

My class demonstration paintings are mounted on the pages within.

Several pages remain blank at the back -- space to add new paintings to my book.

I love the handwriting in old books, and the worn, yellowed look. It adds character.

I invite you to take a class with me.  For a list of my upcoming classes in Beaver & Washington Counties, PA, follow this link:

https://ccbc.coursestorm.com/

Click on "Arts" 

You can also check out my "Take a Class with Betsy" page here: https://betsyblissart.blogspot.com/p/online-art-classes.html

Happy Creating!

Watercolor Lessons with Yelena Lamm

In my most recent lesson with Yelena Lamm, we worked on a small subject-- a simple yellow rose.  Using a photograph for reference, or really as a starting point, we briefly sketched out our composition, then began with the bold yellow tones of the flower, adding layers of orange, and letting that dry before painting in the green sepals & stem.  

Yelena talked about controlling our edges -- allowing some to dry into crisp lines, but keeping most of them soft.  Even edges that I would think of as defined, like the ends of the yellow petals at the top right of the flower, worked as loose, watery borders.  Now when I paint, I think about edges -- about carefully softening the boundaries of each wash, and allowing only a few to dry hard.  It's easier to work seamlessly into a dried wash with a soft edge than to deal with layer upon layer of hard-bordered washes.

A light has turned on inside my head, and I feel grateful to go forward with this new knowledge.  

I hope you get a chance to take a class this autumn.  It can open new pathways for creative expression and thought!

Fall Foliage with Watercolors

 

Autumn has arrived at my home on Hawk's Hill, and I recently spent a morning painting the first splashes of color adorning our Grandmother Sugar Maple tree.  This ancient tree brings beauty to our lives in any season, but particularly this time of year.

My recent lessons with Pittsburgh artist Yelena Lamm taught me so much about how to approach painting landscapes, how to control edges, and how to see colors.  What a pleasure to dive into painting this scene with a new focus and new skills!  Many thanks to Yelena for her instruction and the inspiration it brought me.

Autumn is a great time to take a class and pick up new skills.  Art classes are a terrific way to bring focus to your art practice and to gain momentum -- and to connect with other artists.  

Click here for a link to my upcoming classes. I hope you'll join me for one!

Watercolor Lessons with Yelena Lamm

I've long admired Pittsburgh area painter Yelena Lamm, and recently I've been taking watercolor painting lessons from her.  I want to learn how to paint with the intense, fresh colors I see in her work.  

Above is a sunset scene painted after my first lesson. I worked from a photo I took in May on my farm.  Yelena helped me to approach painting in a new way, focusing on the general impression of the scene, working quickly with a wet edge.  She reminds me to plan my painting before putting brush to paper.  

September always inspires me to learn something new.  If you'd like to try something new artistically, I invite you to join me for a class.  You can find my CCBC classes here. Click on "Arts."

I hope to see you in a future class!

I've been preparing for my upcoming class "Watercolor Flowers" by gathering supplies, filling palettes with watercolors, and playing with ways to paint flowers with watercolor.  The class begins this Saturday morning at the Community College of Beaver County, and is full, but there are lots of other artful classes at CCBC.  

You can check them out here: https://ccbc.coursestorm.com/

At this monochromatic time of year, the simple act of squeezing out tubes of watercolor paint into little wells lifts my spirits. 

The invigorating presence of fresh flowers in my studio feels like Spring -- nourishing for this artist's soul!

Why not buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers, and explore the colors within these jewels?

Wishing you many happy hours painting!

Painting Pastel Flowers

 

What could encapsulate the season better than spending a lovely summer morning painting flowers? 

 Saturday marked the first class of my Painting Flowers with Pastels course at the Community College of Beaver County, and my students and I delighted in delving into a world of blooms with our pastels.

The CCBC Art Studio is spacious and full of light, a wonderful place to turn on some classical music, lay out our supplies, and unleash our creativity.  I asked my students to focus on being experimental, and just playing.  The vibe of joyful creativity filled the room, and my students created awesome artworks!

Many thanks to my students for their willingness to jump right in and experiment!

You can find out more about upcoming classes at CCBC here: https://www.ccbc.edu/arts

You can register for upcoming classes here: https://my.ccbc.edu/ICS/Continuing_Education/

New Classes for the New Year -- Welcome 2021!

I think we're all ready to turn the calendar page to January and say goodbye to 2020!  Why not add some creativity to your new year?  Join me for these online and in person classes offered through the Community College of Beaver County, in Monaca, PA.

You can read more about them online here: https://www.ccbc.edu/arts

Live Online Class:

New! Introduction to Drawing via Zoom

Start off the new year by learning a new skill and develop your ability to draw in this guided class. Instructor Betsy Bangley will lead you through a series of activities designed to help you learn how to capture the world around you with a pencil on paper.

Play with art materials to find out how to make a variety of shades and line types, move on to sketching everyday objects, and build up to exploring perspective and textures. Discover a new way to express yourself and embark on an art adventure! 

Upon registration you will receive a Zoom link and list of materials.  Your email address must be included upon registration. 

Date: Mondays, April 19th – May 10th, 2021

Cost: $64 + $10 Lab 

Sessions: 4/Hours: 12

Time: 6-9PM 

Room: Zoom Online

Code: ARTS01603

In-Person Classes at the Monaca CCBC Campus:

New! Pastel Landscapes
Capture the fresh drawings of spring through pastel painting with instructor Betsy Bangley. You will be surprised how quickly you can lay down the colors of spring on a small landscape painting. Learn how to mix, blend colors and practice laying out small landscapes. You will build up to creating vibrant landscapes outdoors, weather permitting.

There will be no class on April 3rd.

Date: Saturdays, March 27th - April 17th, 2021

Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $59+ $15 Lab
Sessions: 3 Hours: 9
Room: VFC, 3007
Code: ARTS03401

NEW! Making Hand Stitched Books
Craft your own personalized journal or a book to give to someone special. Join instructor Betsy Bangley for a morning of unleashing your creativity.

Date: Monday, April 12th, 2021

Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $33 + $13 Lab
Sessions: 1 Hours: 3
Room: VFC, 3007
Code: ARTS03301

Creating Calm Through Art Explorations
All human beings are artists. Discover your natural creativity to help create calm in your lives. No previous art experience is necessary! Play with watercolor paints, create vision boards, and give yourself permission to try new art explorations to see where it leads you. All materials provided.

Date: Saturdays, May 1st - 15th, 2021 

Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $59 + $36 Lab
Sessions: 3 Hours: 9
Room: VFC, 3007
Code: ARTS03202

How to Register:

To Register, call CCBC at 724-480-3575.

OR

Copy and print the above registration form and mail it to:

CCBC Admissions & Registration

1 Campus Drive

Monaca, PA 15061

OR

 Register online here: https://my.ccbc.edu/ICS/Continuing_Education/

Happy, Healthy, Artful New Year!  

I hope to see you in one of these classes in 2021!

New Classes for Fall!

Join me for these in-person classes at the Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, PA.  Explore your own creativity this fall with an art class!  CCBC requires all students to wear a mask while in classes and campus buildings, and has reduced class sizes to make sure that there is space for students to practice physical distancing.

To register for these classes, visit ccbc.edu/conedregistration or call the school at 724-480-3575.

You can see the entire Continuing Education catalog here: https://ccbc.edu/community-education  Select from the subject headings in the gray box on the right side labeled "Community Education." These classes are under the "Art" heading.

NEW! Creating Calm Through Art Explorations

All human beings are artists. Discover your natural creativity to help create calm in your lives. No previous art experience is necessary! Play with watercolor paints, create vision boards, and give yourself permission to try new art explorations to see where it leads you. All that is required is a willingness to play with art supplies with the intention of self-care. All materials provided. 

Date: S. 9/19-10/3                              Cost: $59 + $30 Lab                         Sessions: 3/Hours: 9

Time: 10AM-1PM                                 Room: VFC, 3007                     Code: ARTS03201


Drawing People

Have you ever wished you could draw life-like people? All that is required is practice, a little instruction, and more practice! In each class, you will draw from real people who will hold poses from everyday life. No experience necessary!

Date: M. 9/14- 10/5                      Cost: $62 + $49 Lab                      Sessions: 4/Hours: 12

Time: 6-9PM                                  Room: VFC, 3007                          Code: ARTS01601


Inktober:

Capture a natural scene with watercolor & colored pencil, and make it pop with pen & ink touches. Experience creating outdoors and take inspiration from the brilliant autumn colors. Join us for a relaxing immersion into nature and your own creativity! Beginners are welcome!

Date: S. 10/10 – 10/24                 Cost: $49 - $10 Lab                      Sessions: 3/Hours: 9

Time: 9AM-12PM                         Room: VFC, 3007                         Code: ARTS01602


New! Pen & Ink

Learn to capture natural scenes with the simple, sharp lines of pen and ink. Learn a technique to minimize the stress of inking, and allow your creativity to flow. You will draw natural scenes and subjects using reference photos or natural objects brought into the art studio.

Date: R. 10/8 -10/22                   Cost: $49 + $10 Lab                      Sessions: 3/Hours: 9

Time: 6-9PM                                 Room: VFC, 3007                      Code: ARTS02901


Recycled Papermaking

Create your own artsy & unique papers out of a variety of upcycled materials in the first class. You will craft your paper into a journal, stationery or other creation. All materials are provided, though you can bring dried flowers, glitter, a favorite essential oil, or other items to include in your paper.

Date: W. 10/7-10/14                            Cost: $39 + $10 Lab                  Sessions: 2/Hours: 6

Time: 6-9PM                              Room: VFC, 3007                  Code: ARTS02801

New July Figure Drawing Classes!

Figure Drawing with Betsy

Would you like to connect with humanity & improve your drawing skills? Join me for this Zoom class in drawing from life.  Each week as we draw a live nude model, I will demonstrate techniques for gesture drawing, shading, drawing hands and feet, & handling foreshortening. Beginners are encouraged to join us!

Fridays, July 24th & 31st, and August 7th and 14th from 9:30 am to noon.

Cost is $96.  Enrollment minimum 5 students to run the class.

To register email me at betsybangley@gmail.com.

Creating Calm Through Watercolor Explorations: Seashell Painting

In class on Wednesday, I asked my students to pick out a shell or other natural object that they were drawn to.  We made thumbnail sketches, selected an angle to paint it from, and then mixed paint colors and began capturing our shells on watercolor paper.  Here's my painting step-by-step.

The shell and the first washes of color:

Adding in the first shadows and some details:

More details added:

Gouache highlights:

The finished work:

Figure Drawing Update: Kathryn's & David's Duo Poses

I have wanted a chance to really sink myself into drawing duo poses for a long time.  When I teach in the studio, I focus on helping my students, and don't have much time to draw the models myself.  A silver lining to teaching art via Zoom is that I get to draw just as much as my students.  I'm grateful to Kathryn and David for their creative poses to challenge and inspire us!  It was an amazing session.

New Online Art Classes for June!

During the Covid-19 quarantine, I have found myself picking up a paintbrush or pen and experimenting more with art. And those experiments have made me feel calmer and more positive. Art has the power to take us to a different mental space. I've put together two online classes for June 2020, and I invite you to email me at betsybangley@gmail.com to register.

Creating Calm Through Art Explorations

All human beings are artists. In this class, you will use your natural creativity to help to create calm in your life. No previous art experience is necessary! Drink tea, play with watercolor paints, doodle with ink, and give yourself permission to try new art explorations to see where they lead you. You provide the watercolor paints, paper and brushes, and I provide the inspiration, instruction and positive thoughts to help you create. All that is required is a willingness to play with art supplies with the intention of self-care. 4 classes, 2 hours each, $59 Wednesdays, 10 am to noon, June 10th through July 1st.

Collage Creations

Sign up at least one week in advance, by Wednesday, June 10th. You will receive a packet of materials -- old book pages, maps, postage stamps, etc. -- in the mail. During class we will create collages together -- make collage cards, mixed media artworks or journal covers. You will need to supply Modge Podge, brush for gluing, pens, paints, & journal. 3 classes, 2 hours each, $59, postage & collage materials included. Wednesdays, 2pm to 4 pm, June 17th through July 1st.



I love feedback! Let me know what you would like to see in future classes. Would you prefer in-person classes at my Beaver County farm, or do you like the safety of an online session?

Looking forward to creating with you!

Betsy

Figure Drawing Update: Last Class

I taught my last Osher figure drawing class of the spring semester last Friday.  We focused on using blind contours to loosen up our lines & to connect our eyes and hands with our creative model, Kathryn. 

In a blind contour drawing, you look only at who or what you're drawing, and never at your paper, so you have to let go of creating "pretty pictures" and allow the process to take you to a new place.  We began our drawings with blind contour, and after 3 minutes, we modified our approach and allowed ourselves to look briefly at our paper to register our lines in the right places. 

We used two different colored chalks or pastels for each drawing -- one color for the blind contour, and another for our modified blind contour drawing.  The process was meditative and calming once we let go of needing to create an outcome.  And, we found that it helped us to liven up our lines in subsequent drawings. This approach produced abstract and powerful drawings.

I look forward to teaching Figure Drawing in Osher's summer semester starting mid-May.  Until then, I will offer some online Friday morning live art sessions via Zoom.  You can find out more by going to the Osher at CMU Figure Drawing page of my blog.

I received a box this week stuffed with brown packing paper that I used for my drawing paper during the online class.  The camera likes mid-toned paper best.  White paper overexposes on the webcam.

I used yellow chalk for the blind contour and blue for the modified blind contour.

A longer pose drawn with compressed charcoal.

For homework, I asked students to do 3 drawings of hands & feet. These are my hand drawings, done with a focus on contour lines.

Figure Drawing Update: Osher Class with Model Kathryn

I had the privilege of drawing well-known Pittsburgh model Kathryn Zapalo today. When sheltering in place, what a pleasure to get to draw a good model, and let the drawing process sweep you away!

I used a chicken feed bag for my gesture drawings.

2020 Classes

The new program guide for the Community College of Beaver County is out!  Follow the link below to see the course listings for my upcoming classes: Figure Drawing, Pen & Ink and Papermaking Studio on page 3 of the tabloid:
https://www.ccbc.edu/college-catalogs

Select the bottom catalog of the two entitled "Continuing Education"

Registration begins January 6th!

New Classes for the New Year!

If you are ready for a fresh art project, new inspiration, or just a way to schedule some time for creative self-care, I invite you to join me in these upcoming classes!

Pittsburgh Figure Drawing Meetup

Guided Workshop: Drawing the Model

It's difficult to get started in figure drawing if you're not enrolled in a fine arts program, or able to commit to an expensive, multi-week course. In our 3-hour workshop we'll guide you through proven drawing exercises designed to get your eyes, brain, and hand working together to capture the human form on paper. Attendance is limited to 8 so our instructor can provide one-on-one guidance. Models will pose nude. Materials provided. $25 cash workshop fee. Instructor is artist and figure model Betsy Bangley. Models are Kathryn and David. Seating is limited. Free street-side parking.

Sunday, Jan. 5th, 2-5 pm
Metta: A Healing Arts Community, 5118 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Register online at the Pittsburgh Figure Drawing Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/Pittsburgh-Figure-Drawing/or email: betsybangley@gmail.com

Community College of Beaver County Continuing Education

I'll be teaching these courses at the Community College of Beaver County.  You can register online for these courses here: https://my.ccbc.edu/ICS/Continuing_Education/
See the full catalog here: https://www.ccbc.edu/college-catalogs


Figure Drawing -- Back by popular demand
Do you enjoy drawing and want to take on a new challenge? Expand your artistic skills and connect with humanity by learning to draw another human being. Our models will dress in athletic wear, and will hold a variety of poses to observe and sketch. Each week we will start with quick gesture drawings and then work on proportions, foreshortening, hands & feet, and the face through longer drawings. Bring a pad of newsprint, drawing paper, a soft pencil, and charcoal.
Mondays, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, from 6-9 PM
Cost: $59 + a $49 Lab fee

NEW! Handmade Paper Studio
Create your own artsy & unique papers out of a variety of upcycled materials in the first class. You will craft your paper into a journal, stationary or other creation. All materials are provided, though you can bring dried flowers, glitter, a favorite essential oil, or other items to include in your paper.
Wednesdays, April 22nd and 29th from 6-9 PM
Cost: $39 + a $10 Lab fee

New! Pen & Ink
Learn to capture natural scenes with the simple, sharp lines of pen and ink. Learn a technique to minimize the stress of inking, and allow your creativity to flow. You will be drawing natural scenes and subjects using reference photos or natural objects brought into the art studio.
Thursdays, April 9th, 16th & 23rd from 6-9 PM

Cost: $49 + a $10 Lab fee

Upcoming Art Classes!

If you're interested in gaining inspiration, carving out time in your schedule for creativity, or trying new art techniques, check out the upcoming Continuing Education art classes at the Community College of Beaver County here: http://www.ccbc.edu/ConEdCatalog

I'll be teaching the following classes this autumn:

Recycled Papermaking :
Create your own artsy & unique paper out of a variety of upcycled materials that you can use to craft and personalize your own journal, stationery, cards, or other unique creations.  All materials are provided
Wednesday evenings 
Sept. 11th & 18th from 6-9 pm
Cost: $39 with $10 Lab fee

Jumpstart Your Journal!
 A regular journaling practice provides a way to capture the fleeting details of your daily life and to process your thoughts.  The calming, grounding experience you have been seeking awaits!  Explore ideas and fill the pages of your journal with new discoveries.
Wednesday evenings,
Sept. 25th, Oct. 2nd & 9th from 6-9 pm
Cost: $49 with $10 Lab fee

Inktober
Capture a natural scene with watercolor & colored pencil, and make it pop with pen & ink touches.  You will work outdoors and take inspiration from the brilliant autumn colors.  Join us for a relaxing immersion into nature and your own creativity!  Beginners are welcome!
Saturday mornings,
October 5th,12th & 19th, from 9 am - noon
cost: $49 with $10 Lab fee

To register, go to http://www.ccbc.edu/ConEdRegistration
or call the Information Registration Center at 724-480-3575.

Hope to see you at one of these sessions!

Create Your Own Journal

I recently created this blank journal out of mat board scraps, an old atlas chock full of maps, and several different types of blank paper I found at yard sales.  I wanted to use up materials I've had in my studio gathering dust, and prepare for an upcoming class I'm teaching for the Continuing Education Department of the Community College of Beaver County. 

Join me for Create Your Own Journal on Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 6-9 pm.  Check out this link to the online course catalog, and flip to page 2 for details of the class. To register, go to:  https://my.ccbc.edu/ICS/Continuing_Education/

I incorporated an old library card pocket I had from a second hand book.

When you sew your own journal, you can include different types of paper.  Here, I used white computer paper and an eco-green recycled paper.